What Is The Average Life Of A Wireless Router? Full Guide

You’re staring at the old router in the corner of your living room, and you’re beginning to think it’s obsolete. Your recent internet relationship may have been sporadic. You may just be wondering What Is The Average Life Of A Wireless Router. Maybe you’ve just acquired a new wireless router that supports both dual and tri-band frequencies, and you’re wondering how long it will take before you need to replace it. Basically, the question you’re asking is How Long A Wireless Router Lasts?

Average Life Of A Wireless Router

The typical lifespan of a router is probably around five years at the current rate of advancement. Upgrading every five years, you may always have the highest performance and features without needless side grades.

Four years in this context, but it might also signify more than ten. The lack of moving parts in a wireless router means it might conceivably last you for several decades. However, a router’s life expectancy is influenced by factors including the quality of its construction, upkeep, and the introduction of new technologies.

Warning Signs Indicating Your Router Needs To Be Changed

Random Reboots That Do Not Indicate A Problem

Routers are small computers with memory and CPU chips. They have a tendency to be smart. Even said, if you are having frequent router reboots, the internal components will prove to be more expensive to fix, and replacing your router is preferable.

Insufficient Coverage

The vast majority of available routers provide you with coverage of at least 150 feet and more. It’s advisable to use a WiFi extender if you need extra coverage. It can be put in strategic locations in the house for coverage over a long period of time. If your range is deteriorating with age, a new router may not fix the problem, so you could have to get a whole new modem.

Technology

Even if a router is still running perfectly and has no damage, new technology can render it outdated. Wireless networking protocols are in a constant state of flux. In 2000, we had 802.11b, and then in 2009, we transitioned to 802.11n. Today, 802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6, which is the fastest Wi-Fi, is available.

Bodily Harm

When the router is physically examined, several indicators of wear and tear will likely be observed. This may include overheating. Your present router is on its final legs and is about to crash. You may hear internal cracking sounds on the inside of the router when it is experiencing wear and tear. Some of your internal components aren’t operating as they should, and this is an indicator of that.

Low Connection Speeds

You will realize that your old router is delivering half the speed you requested when you notice the delivery is slow. It signifies your router is incapable of handling the speeds your ISP has provided.

Additionally, when you realize that your devices continually getting disconnected from the internet while you are browsing, you’ll see why this is a problem. You may have an obsolete router, which is incompatible with the current technology. Now let’s investigate the lifespan of a wireless router, what factors affect it, and how to know when you need to get a new one.

How To Extend The Life Of A Router?

Move Your Router

Your Wi-Fi may suffer from frequent dead areas, and the position of your router is usually to blame. It is recommended that you install your router at a physically higher elevation and in a vertical posture for the best coverage. For the finest Wi-Fi connection, you can move your router around.

Wireless interference from microwaves and baby monitors can be reduced by moving your router. Using Wi-Fi extenders can help improve your Wi-Fi connection. This is done by broadcasting a signal in places where dead zones are experienced.

Electric Power Spikes

High power surges and breakdowns can cause your router to short circuit prematurely. Just like your TV and fridge, your router requires a powerful protector. You might choose to connect your router to a UPS device that you also use with your computers and printers.

Keeping It Clean

Router efficiency is hindered by dust. Wipe it down with a moist towel every so often. If dust has been collecting for a long time, you may need to vacuum out the router’s air vents and the device’s inside. Place your router in a place where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight when you are finished with the process. As you know, heat is not usually good for electronics. Your router is not an exception to this rule.

Ensure You Have Anti-Virus Installed

If you’re using a router, be sure to safeguard it with anti-virus software. Hackers are deterred from penetrating your local network, and your router’s life is prolonged. If your router does not have its own pre-installed virus software, you can install it yourself.

Updating Your Firmware Regularly Is Advised

Occasionally update your router’s firmware by running it with the manufacturer. With the prior firmware, these imperfections would have been obvious. While you’re performing this task, it’s also good to run your router through a number of virus scans. It safeguards your network and hardware from cyber security breaches. Turning your router on and off on a regular basis will keep it in working order if you do not use it regularly.

How Long Do Routers Last On Average?

With technology developing at its present rate of speed, a router will likely only last approximately five years. Maintaining a regular upgrade schedule once every five years assures you will always have access to the latest and greatest features and performance without incurring any unwelcome downgrades.

Conclusion

Average Life Of A Wireless Router and Replacing your routers WAN/LAN interfaces are still open questions. Some advise people to replace their mattress every four to five years, while others propose keeping it until it breaks down. You need to keep up with router standards if you want to have a quick and reliable internet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions